The term “self-care” is prevalent in today’s society, but it’s often confused with self-indulgence or “treating yourself.” In reality, self-care is simply about taking the time and effort to invest in your mental and physical well-being. According to Everyday Health, self-care can also help people cope with everyday stress. Incorporating self-care into your daily life doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This guide, presented by Authentic Insights, provides actionable tips for making the most of self-care without breaking the bank.
Look for affordable and fun workouts you can do from home online
Regular physical activity can boost cardiovascular health, enhance muscle tone, and improve balance and coordination. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise also has mental health benefits and can improve your mood. There’s no need to splurge on pricey gym memberships or personal trainers to get your fitness fix. MoneyCrashers has a list of cheap fitness equipment, like a jump rope and stability ball. You can then look up free YouTube tutorials on how to use your new equipment.
Commit to spending more time socializing with loved ones
Self-care can be as simple and cheap as grabbing coffee with a friend. South University reveals that socializing is actually good for your mental health. Research shows that people with a strong social network tend to be less susceptible to depression and negative self-image. You don’t have to engage in pricey activities with your loved ones to have fun. The Simple Dollar offers a roundup of 15 affordable activities you can enjoy with friends, like playing board games or having a movie night.
Cook at home to save money and nurture physical and mental well-being
Preparing meals at home allows you to skip the expense of pricier restaurant meals or delivery. As an added bonus, home-cooking tends to be healthier. Fix reveals that people who eat more homemade food tend to consume less processed foods and sugars. Taking the time to prepare a delicious dish you truly enjoy is a valuable form of self-care. If you prepare the meal with others and enjoy it together, you’ll also reap the aforementioned mental health benefits of socializing.
Get proactive about your mental health with cost-effective online counseling
If you struggle with mental health hurdles like anxiety or depression, counseling can be beneficial. Even if you feel fine, being proactive about mental health can help you prepare for tough times when they do arise. Counseling gives you the tools you need to navigate life’s everyday complexities, from work-life balance problems to relationship troubles. Thanks to modern technology, counseling can now be done online. This tends to be more affordable than in-person sessions. Authentic Insights, Inc., offers cost-efficient counseling online.
Eliminate money-related stress with some financial self-care
If money stresses you out frequently, get a handle on your finances. Making a budget can be a valuable form of financial self-care, allowing you to reduce spending. Consumer.gov explains how to create a budget. Look for ways to cut expenditures. For example, if you have a mortgage, you might refinance your home loan. Refinancing can allow you to get better terms, such as lower interest rates. This will save you money in the long run.
Implementing the above tips won’t require a great deal of money. However, these small steps can make a big difference in your mental and physical well-being. Take the time to adopt these positive behaviors so you can enjoy living your happiest, healthiest life.
If you want to take additional self-care steps to improve your mental health, Authentic Insights, Inc., can help. Suze Gadol Anderson, LCSW provides online counseling for individuals and couples throughout Texas and Oregon. Find out more online.
Sheila Johnson once enjoyed a very successful career, but her health was another story. She left the corporate world to start her own business, on her own schedule. She found a routine that balances work life with taking care of her mental, emotional, and physical health. She created Well Sheila as a place to not only share her story, but inspire others to put their physical and mental health first with a regular wellness routine and daily self-care. Sheila can be contacted at sheila@wellsheila.net.